Lewis University Nursing Building Renovation

Mortenson recently completed a renovation of the Nursing Program building, also known as South Hall, at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. This multi-phased initiative is aimed at revitalizing and expanding the existing building to enhance its Health Science Program offerings and foster collaboration among faculty and students in parallel programs.
 
The project kicked off in September 2023 and included a comprehensive interior renovation of 16,000 square feet of existing space and associated mechanical systems inside South Hall. Home to Lewis University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the updated space includes state-of-the-art laboratories including a Neuro Lab, Pediatric Lab, Ortho/Movement Lab, and Splinting/Casting Lab, all equipped with technology to facilitate hands-on research. The renovation also included upgraded classrooms, new tutorial and meeting rooms, new offices, a faculty lounge, and updated restrooms.
 
One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation is the addition of a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. The new DPT program requires Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) certification, so the team developed a construction schedule that considered both the CAPTE certification milestones as well as the daily functions of the faculty and students attending the University. The University’s goal to welcome their first cohort in Spring 2025 meant that most work needed to occur during the school year while the building was occupied, and classes were in session. Temporary walls separated the students and faculty from the work in progress during the school year while particularly disruptive work was completed over the University’s winter break.
 
The South Hall renovation project is part of Lewis University’s overall master plan effort, so the team collaborated with the University to address a few challenges during this project that would set them up for success for upcoming work. This included relocating or replacing numerous existing mechanical lines with consideration for upcoming projects and adding a second-floor connection from South Hall to an adjacent dorm to improve traffic flow. In addition, a new drain tile system was installed to avoid groundwater issues in the future. With precise planning, these additional scopes of work were incorporated without delaying the overall project schedule.